According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were almost 28 million businesses in the country during 2007, 75 percent of which were self-employed people without employees or payrolls. The IRS uses federal tax ID numbers, also known as Employer Identification Numbers or EINs, to identify businesses. Applying for an EIN is free and relatively simple. The IRS accepts applications for EINs in four ways: online, by fax, through the mail and over the phone.

No matter which option you choose, you'll need the same information, beginning with your business name and address. You'll also need the type of business, such as sole proprietor, corporation, non-profit agency, farmers' cooperative or trust. Then identify the reason you need an EIN. For instance, are you starting a new business? Hiring new workers? Creating a pension plan? If you have employees, record the number you expect to have during the next year. It's also necessary for you to specify your field of business and any merchandise, products or services you offer.

For many businesses located within the U.S. or its territories, the online application process is fastest and most convenient. The person who is submitting the form is typically a responsible party in the business, such as an owner, partner or principal officer. The applicant must have individual identification, such as a Social Security number.

To apply online, use the EIN Assistant page accessible on the IRS website, and have all of your paperwork ready. The process must be completed in one sitting, because for security purposes, the session quits if you're inactive for 15 minutes. Once you're complete, however, you receive your EIN immediately. You can use it to open bank accounts or get licenses, but if you want to file an electronic tax return, you'll have to wait. It takes about 2 weeks for an EIN to become permanently established in the system.

If you decide to fax your information to the IRS, complete Form SS-4 and submit it to your state's IRS fax number. The document is reviewed quickly, and, if it's completed properly, the IRS will fax you your EIN within four business days.

Perhaps you're old school and want to send the paperwork through the mail. You'll also use Form SS-4, but don't look for your EIN to arrive for about four weeks. Only international applicants are allowed to apply by telephone. Just know the phone number is not toll-free. An authorized agent of the company needs to answer all the questions on Form SS-4. You'll get the EIN over the phone, so don't forget to write it down! Afterward, you may still have to mail in Form SS-4.

In 2013, more than 500,000 new American businesses started up each month [source: Nazar]. If you're one of this crowd, no doubt you'll have a lot on your plate. Don't neglect your tax identification number, however. You'll need it to report your earnings to the IRS.

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